Diaz seen in more shady campaign biz

Ruben Diaz Sr. is being accused of improperly crashing coronavirus food giveaways again as he campaigns in a tight Bronx congressional primary.

The controversial City Council member was caught on film handing out campaign literature at events last week that were supposed to be to distribute free food for needy residents suffering amid the pandemic, an antiDiaz group claimed.

Bronx United, a community group opposing Diaz Sr., says his actions are similar to those revealed by the Daily News last week in which Diaz (inset) took credit for charity events outside his council district.

“Ruben Diaz Sr. is taking advantage of food donations meant for government use to try and win an election — it’s appalling but fitting,” a spokesman for Bronx United said.

Diaz Sr. is locked in a crowded race to succeed retiring Rep. Jose Serrano (D-South Bronx), along with fellow Councilman Ritchie Torres, Assemblyman Michael Blake and former Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

His son, Ruben Diaz Jr., is Bronx borough president.

Bronx United says Diaz Sr. showed up wearing his trademark cowboy hat at events as food distributor D’Arriga was giving out groceries to residents at Mill Brook Houses on Friday. He handed out envelopes containing campaign palm cards, giving residents the impression that the food came from his campaign.

The group says Diaz Sr. should declare the food donations as campaign contributions or stay away from the events. It plans to amend a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission against Diaz Sr.

A lawyer for Diaz Sr. could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegation.